Recyclable molded high modulus fiber reinforced thermoplastic structures and process for preparing the same

A process for preparing a recyclable reinforced composite structure having enhanced surface appearance comprising

• a) heating a bait comprised of a plurality of layers of a self-supporting porous web comprised of randomly dispersed high modulus reinforcing fiber held together by solidified thermoplastic resin to convert the bait into a moldable form;
• b) placing the moldable form into a heated mold and flowing said moldable form under pressure to substantially crystallize the thermoplastic resin component;
• c) introducing a thermosetting resin-containing coating material into the mold adjacent at least one surface of the crystallized structure by separating the sections of said mold and closing said heated mold under pressure to provide a substantially uniform coating on said one surface,
• d) dwelling the coated structure in the mold for a time sufficient to set said coating material, and
• e) recovering a molded pan having an enhanced surface appearance.